The IV–iv–I–I chord progression

Amen cadence. The borrowed minor iv adds a tender, churchy ending.

Quick answer

IV–iv–I–I in Ab major is Db Dbm Ab Ab.

Key

What the IV–iv–I–I progression sounds like

The borrowed minor iv adds a tender, churchy ending. In Ab major it's Db Dbm Ab Ab.

You'll find it in Gospel and worship songwriting.

Scales that fit IV–iv–I–I

Over this progression in Ab, the best-fitting scales are Db Major (Ionian), Db Lydian, C# Harmonic minor. Put your own chords into the scale finder to see more.

IV–iv–I–I in every key

The IV–iv–I–I progression in all 12 major keys
Key	Chords
C major	F Fm C C
G major	C Cm G G
D major	G Gm D D
A major	D Dm A A
E major	A Am E E
B major	E Em B B
F# major	B Bm F# F#
Db major	Gb Gbm Db Db
Ab major	Db Dbm Ab Ab
Eb major	Ab Abm Eb Eb
Bb major	Eb Ebm Bb Bb
F major	Bb Bbm F F

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Common questions

What are the chords in the IV–iv–I–I progression?

In Ab major the IV–iv–I–I progression is Db Dbm Ab Ab. The pattern is the same in every key; the table above lists all 12.

What scale goes with IV–iv–I–I?

In Ab, the Db Major (Ionian) fits best. Db Lydian and C# Harmonic minor add different colors.

Last updated November 14, 2026.